The King Seiko Vanac Returns With Integrated Bracelet And Tokyo Inspired Dials

Seiko is releasing a new Vanac collection this week, and with it, a new automatic movement. The Vanac made its first appearance in the King Seiko catalog back in 1972, complete with all the funky design details you’d expect of a watch of this era. A large, prism-like case with flat surfaces, faceted crystals, and highly dynamic dial textures and colors left a big impression, and that’s exactly what Seiko is looking to recapture in modern guise with the new King Seiko Vanac. It’s not a re-issue, but it is a throwback, and one that will look to set a modern foundation, and if it’s anything like its predecessor, we can look forward to plenty of variety to come. 

The original Vanac was short lived, but its flame burned brightly, with a wide range of references released, most of which featured bright dials and integrated bracelet designs. Seiko says that the original meaning of the word "Vanac" has been lost to time, so they’ve come up with a modern acronym to suit the modern personality of the new collection: Vibrant; Active; Novel; Alternative; and Comfortable. The message Seiko is trying to convey with this watch is one of innovation, and breaking barriers, and the brand views buyers of this watch as trailblazers and visionary types. Make of that what you will. 

The new Vanac picks up where the original left off, with a sharp, angular case boasting large flat surfaces that transition between brushed and polished finishes. This is set to an integrated bracelet that’s been designed to the width of the case, and uses links spaced in such a way to provide maximum comfort. That said, this watch isn’t shy on character. The case itself measures 41mm in diameter, and 14.3mm in thickness, so it’ll have plenty of presence befitting of the unusual case design and vibrant dials. It’s worth noting that there is no faceted crystal with these, as we saw on some of the original references. 

There are three dials being offered with the Vanac at launch, and two additional special-edition variations. Each is inspired by the Tokyo skyline. The silver dial with gold accents represents the city in daylight, while the navy represents the city at midnight. Between the two is a purple dial that is a nod to twilight over the city. The dials get thick horizontal bars defining the inner section, with a separate piece hosting the hour markers and minute index. There is a subtle but notable dodecagon shape framing the dial. The marker at 12 o’clock is a V shape, echoing the same shape found at the counterbalance of the seconds hand. At the bottom of the dial you’ll find a King Seiko label, which is rendered disproportionately large, almost competing with the Seiko branding at the top of the dial. 

Inside, Seiko is introducing a new automatic movement, the Caliber 8L45. This movement represents a big step forward from the likes of the 6R35 and 4R35, with 72 hours of reserve, and a tighter accuracy tolerance at +10/-5 seconds per day. This is also the first time a King Seiko gets an exhibition caseback through which you can view the new movement, which is interesting-looking, if modestly finished. 

The new King Seiko Vanac will be available this summer, with each priced at $3,300.